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27/07/08 - New rights to give disabled travellers a better journey� |
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Transport Minister Rosie Winterton,
the�Commission and the Civil Aviation Authority today outlined measures
coming into force this month to give up to 15 million disabled people
and those with limited mobility new rights when travelling through
airports in Europe.
�From 26 July 2008, a new European regulation on air travel will mean airports will have to provide services that enable disabled passengers to board, disembark and transit between flights. The rights will also apply to people with reduced mobility, such as someone with a broken leg, and will give a right to assistance once on the plane. This is the second stage of measures designed to protect disabled passengers when travelling by air and creating a consistent standard across Europe. Last year it became illegal for airlines, travel agents or tour operators to refuse a booking on the grounds of disability or to refuse to board a disabled person who has a valid ticket and reservation, except for safety reasons. The�Commission has a responsibility to promote the new regulation to the public and any person who feels that there has been a breach of the law has the right to complain to them. The Commission will handle and monitor complaints and offer conciliation where appropriate. It can support people to take civil action and could refer the matter to the Civil Aviation Authority who will have the power to prosecute. If guilty an airport operator, airline, travel agent or tour operator could face an unlimited fine. Rosie Winterton said: 'This is a major step in ensuring that disabled people and those with reduced mobility have the same access to the standards and services that every one expects when they fly. 'We expect all airlines and airports to maintain these high standards and for strong action to be taken against any one repeatedly breaking the regulations across Europe.' Baroness Jane Campbell, chair of the�Commission's Disability Committee, said: 'Airports have told us this will be the biggest ever single shake-up in customer service and we believe this new regulation will bring real improvements for disabled people and those with reduced mobility. 'It should also be very good for business. Disabled people alone have a spending power of some �80 billion and people who previously daren’t risk flying for fear of problems, can now confidently give it a try.� 'The Commission has considerable powers to ensure that the air travel industry meets its obligations and we shall be monitoring complaints carefully and ensuring these are used to improve services.' Richard Jackson, Group Director of Consumer Protection at the Civil Aviation Authority, said: 'The new regulations will bring significant benefits to disabled travellers and those with reduced mobility. We have worked closely with UK airlines, airports and tour operators to ensure that they are fully familiar with the new rules.' Notes: � � Scottish Disability Equality Forum 2003-2008 � |
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